Seasonal menu options can be an exciting addition to a restaurant’s menu. But, just like with other menu items, it is important to take a look at the nutrition information of what you are ordering! Take a look at our Quick Bites series for a few reviews and recommendations on what to eat when dining out. Panera Bread recently released a few new menu items. Choose this salad that includes ancient grains, arugula, chicken, apples, grapes, pumpkin seeds and a white balsamic apple vinaigrette (420 calories, 14 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 300 mg sodium, 41 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar {mostly natural}, 25 grams protein). And, avoid a bowl of the vegetarian autumn squash soup made with cream (330 calories, 16 grams fat, 9 grams saturated fat, 1230 mg sodium, 45 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 13 grams sugar, 6 grams protein).

New recipes to try:

Baked Oatmeal with Pumpkin and Banana

With cooler months approaching, I prefer to have a warm breakfast to help wake me up in the morning. We recently made a berry baked oatmeal, perfect for the summer months using readily available fresh berries. For a fall and winter breakfast alternative, I’m anxious to try this Skinnytaste recipe that will be perfect for those early mornings!

Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa

One of my favorite parts of fall is being able to eat soups and stews (without sweating)! I have a few recipes that I use, but I’m excited to try this stew. With butternut squash and quinoa, this recipe will keep me full for hours. And, it will be the perfect meal to make for dinner and then have leftovers for lunches afterwards!

If you can’t tell, I love anything pumpkin. These Trader Joe’s K-cups have so much flavor with the spices included in each cup, that additional flavoring is not really needed! I usually will drink this with a splash of milk and natural sweetener for a perfect cup! If I use different grounds or I’m just feeling festive in the morning, this newly released Pumpkin Spice Natural Bliss coffee creamer provides the flavor I desire without the fat and sugar of regular coffee creamers!

Or if you prefer to flavor your coffee without pumpkin, check out this article that provides 10 ways to flavor your coffee this fall!

New fall snack: Blue Almond Pumpkin Spice Almonds

Almonds can be a great snack to have on hand, especially with their protein and unsaturated fat content. To add a fall flavor to typical roasted almonds, these pumpkin spice almonds are the perfect option. Instead of being coated with a sugary glaze, these almonds are lightly dusted with just the right amount of spices. These almonds are so good that it may be important to watch your serving size when eating! One serving (28 nuts): 160 calories, 14 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 40 mg sodium, 7 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar, 6 grams protein.

Favorite Fall Snack: Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

I love the crisp texture and sweetness of apples. And, one of my favorite snacks for this time of year are these apple chips! They seem to hit the spot when I’m looking for something sweet, satisfying and crunchy. It’s healthier and cheaper to make them at home. And, you can’t really beat the smell of your house when making them!